Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton, Bakersfield, and Modesto.

Mesothelioma is incredibly difficult to diagnose even though it is one of most aggressive cancers known.  Unlike many other types of cancer, symptoms of mesothelioma can be confused with many less deadly conditions, and frequently there are no symptoms until the cancer is extraordinarily advanced. Symptoms such as anemia, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and weight gain can be so subtle as not to be noticed, and are frequently misdiagnosed.

Further complicating diagnosis is the fact that mesothelioma is still a relatively uncommon disease.  Most doctors hesitate to diagnose such a malignant cancer without first ordering sophisticated tests and conducting an extensive background investigation of work history, living area, and family health. In fact, mesothelioma is usually discovered by accident after a doctor suspects an unrelated health issue.

If a doctor suspects someone has mesothelioma he or she will order a number of tests including:

• X-Rays
• Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) test
• Lung function tests
• Pleural tap or pericardiocentesis to drain fluid from the lungs and heart, respectively
• A laparoscopy, a minor surgery that examines and removes a small amount of tissue from the abdomen, or
• A thoroscopy, a similar procedure that removes tissue from the chest
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a new type of scan that produces a clearer image of the tumor.  These tests are extremely expensive and sometimes not covered by insurance.

 

If these tests are inconclusive the doctor will need to perform a biopsy on potentially cancerous tissue.  This test will reveal once and for all if a tissue is affected by mesothelioma cells, and allows the doctor to prescribe the appropriate course of action.

Unfortunately, diagnosis of mesothelioma rarely improves the outlook of the victim and the prognosis is often bleak.  However, the earlier that one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the sooner the patient can begin aggressive treatment and can begin the painful yet rewarding journey of emotional recovery.